2 found dead in southern Las Vegas tunnel fire

Two people were found dead after fire crews responded to a blaze in a tunnel Monday afternoon in southern Las Vegas, according to a news release from the Clark County Fire Department.

Firefighters responded to a report of an outside fire behind 8200 Dean Martin Dr. around 3:24 p.m. CCFD at first dispatched a single engine to investigate. Before they arrived, there were multiple calls of smoke coming from under the roadway.

Upon arrival, crews found a tunnel fire with possible victims still inside the underground flood channel, crews were told by a person who had escaped the tunnel.

Three additional engines, a heavy rescue and a battalion chief were dispatched to assist.

The tunnel was narrow and short, making it difficult for responders to advance. When firefighters were able to locate the seat of the fire, they were able to put it out and had to immediately exit due to being low on air.

Rescue crews completed their search of the entire tunnel by 7 p.m. and found inside the tunnel two deceased adults, a man and a woman, and also multiple cats. There were no other civilian injuries, the release stated.

The cause of the fire was undetermined, as was the cause of death for both people pending the coroner’s report.

Fire officials were investigating.